Homeownership Program Criteria

Please review the qualifications and apply below:

Step 1

Review Program Qualifications

General Requirements:

  • Must be a first-time homebuyer

  • Must currently live and/or work in Broward County for at least a year

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder)

Financial Requirements:

  • Show a stable employment history
  • Have sufficient credit history, with no accounts in collection, no unsatisfied public records, and no bankruptcies within the last three years.
  • Establish a monthly savings account
  • Total debt-to-income ratio, including a Habitat mortgage payment of one-third of household income, must be less than 43%

Step 2

Determine Eligibility

See if you qualify to the Homeownership Program:

  • Watch this video to learn more about Habitat’s program requirements and next steps for applying to the homeownership program.

    Watch now

  • Review this PDF for a full list of criteria and more frequently asked questions.

    Review PDF

  • During open enrollment fill out our Pre-Qualification Questionnaire to see if you meet all program requirements. You will receive a notification within 30 days, either inviting you to the next stage in the application process or providing reasons why you do not qualify.

Step 3

Complete Application

Applicants who meet the initial criteria will be invited to continue to the next stage of the application process, which includes:

  • Step-by-step on how to complete your submission packet
  • Collection of required verification documents
  • Receipt of your official Homeownership Program application packet

Once submitted, your packet will be reviewed to verify income, credit, banking, and background information. If all criteria and guidelines are met, you will advance to the next step in the process.

The full application process typically takes 60–90 days, with regular updates provided to keep you informed of your status.

Step 4

Home Visit

The Home Visit is an important step to determine and assess housing need.

After Home Visits have been completed, an independent Home Selection Committee will make their board recommendations for final selections into the Homeownership Program.

Step 5

Homeownership Program & Sweat Equity

Your journey to owning a home starts as soon as you are accepted into our program. Our Homeowner Services team will stay by your side until you move into your new home.

  • Financial Coaching – First, you will meet with your Housing Advisor to look at your mortgage readiness and make a plan. After that, you will meet once a month to work on:

    • Creating a budget and a plan for your income.
    • Strengthening your credit health.
    • Paying off debt and saving money.
    • Taking steps to stay financially healthy for the long run.

  • Sweat Equity – “Sweat Equity” is a big part of our program. It means you put in your own hard work to help build your future. Every Future Homeowner must complete 300 hours of Sweat Equity. You ear these hours by:

    • Helping build Habitat houses.
    • Working at the Habitat ReStore.
    • Going to monthly workshops to learn about money management and home care & maintenance.
    • Helping fix up or paint houses in the neighborhood.
    • Helping us spread the work about Habitat in the community.

The entire process usually takes 18 to 24 months from the time you apply until you move in. For more information, please email our team at homeownership@habitatbroward.org.